Fireworks are a go!YouTube video from SeanP284 The spectacular "dueling" fireworks display on the banks of the Housatonic River between Derby and Shelton has become a must-see holiday event for people throughout the city, the Valley and even the state. Derby's participation this year is the result of the generosity of the public as the difficult economic times has caused the city to remove the purchase of the fireworks display from the budget for next year. Latest Updates:Mayor Staffieri announced today (June 18) “We have the money in hand” indicating his efforts to raise the $11,500 privately has now been totally successful. Up until yesterday, the Mayor had commitments for the $11,500 but now those commitments have been delivered. “Archie Moores Restaurant has given the people of Derby $2,500. I would like to thank Todd Ressler, Jonathan Ressler and Robert Fuchs, the owners of Archie Moores. Their generosity and willingness to help us continue this tradition deserves our sincere expression of appreciation. Archie Moores has made a substantial investment in our city and now they are investing in our tribute to the independence of our country. Not only are they wise businessmen but also patriots. I also must thank Alderman David Lenart who educated the owners to realize the importance of the continuation of our fireworks tradition.” Said the Mayor. The Mayor concluded by saying “We also have to sincerely thank Bill Nimons of the Naugatuck Valley Savings and Loan for their generous contribution of $1,000. Bill has been a friend to Derby and I wish to say thank you to Bill and his Naugatuck Valley Savings and Loan. They are true patriots.” Earlier stories:Firemen Pitch InMayor Tony Staffieri wishes to thank the many volunteer firemen of the City of Derby for raising $3,286 for the July 2, 2010 fireworks display. Tony said “Kelly Curtis, when asked to help said ‘Of course the firemen would help’ and thus, with collection efforts during last years display, Hot dog sales in front of Adams, and Adams willingness to contribute a portion of their sales, they have proven successful. Not only do the volunteer firemen protect our homes and our lives but they also serve our community in many positive ways. I wish to thank Kelly Curtis, the Fire Commissioner, Jim Butler, our Chief, the assistant chiefs and of course all those volunteers.” Kelly Curtis reacted by saying “The Mayor gives me and the Chiefs much too much credit. When you have so many dedicated volunteers, all of whom have great enthusiasm for Derby, it is just in the asking of them and they respond. It is our honor to be part of this effort and each and every firefighter will stand a little taller on July 2 realizing they have been a major part of the celebration of our country.” The Mayor ended by saying, “Many cities and towns across Connecticut have cancelled their fireworks due to budgetary reasons. I agreed, in these difficult economic times, having taxpayers fund the event was wrong. We could have left the issue at that point but I believed we in Derby could do better. We haven’t reached the $11,500 mark yet but we are getting closer and closer. If anyone would like to contribute, a phone call to my office at 203-736-1450 will find instructions as to where money can be sent.” McDonald's Supports DisplayMayor Tony Staffieri wishes to publicly thank Joe Rodriguez for his $2,000 contribution to the Derby Fire Works Fund. Joe is the owner of two McDonald’s located at 44 Divison Street and 652 New Haven Avenue in Derby as well as two McDonalds, one in New Haven and another in West Haven. The Mayor, in a very difficult economy, felt it unfair to ask tax payers to pay for the continuation of the City’s July Fourth Fire Work Display. Mayor Staffieri decided he would prefer to try to continue the fire work tradition by raising money privately. “Joe Rodriguez , along with his family, has stepped up to the plate on behalf of Derby citizens. He is a man of deep family values and a staunch believer in tradition. His generosity, on behalf of our City, is deeply appreciated. I encourage anyone from Derby who frequents his two local restaurants to thank Joe. A high five would be appropriate” said the Mayor. Joe Rodriguez expressed his thoughts by saying, “I have known Tony since he became Mayor and I have been very much impressed by his love and enthusiasm for the City of Derby. For my family and me to help in the continuation of this spectacular fire works display in honoring our country is a privilege. Partnering with the City of Derby and Mayor Staffieri is, in deed, an honor.” The fireworks are scheduled for July 2, 2010 with a rain date of July 3, 2010. The cost of producing the same display as last year will cost $11,500. Joe Rodriguez has brought us $2,000 closer. Earlier Story: The City of Derby volunteer firefighters have, as
always, stepped up to help the city. Realizing the city did not ask the
tax payers to pay for this years firework display for the 4th of July,
the firefighters have answered the call to help raise money so the 4
year tradition can continue. If you would like to help with this endeavor, please send a check to the mayor's office made out to the City of Derby indicating it is to be used for the fireworks. The address is: City of Derby Fireworks
Display Posted April 20, 2010 |
